Jah'Nevaeh Gidney (2) pulls down a pass from Jayden Yates before racing for a touchdown in Wildwood's victory over Charles Town. David Pennock

CHARLES TOWN — When Wildwood Middle School turned back Charles Town, 56-28, it was the Mustangs showing a third straight football County Championship for the school located across the street from Jefferson High School.

In high-scoring fashion, the Mustangs completed the 2020 season with an unbeaten 6-0 record and had outpointed their opposition, 278-55.

Wildwood owned county victories over Shepherdstown, Harpers Ferry and Charles Town.

In its 24 games over the past three seasons, Wildwood has accomplished a 22-2 record. There are now 16 consecutive wins over the other three county middle school teams.

In the Jefferson County championship game against Charles Town, the David Viands-coached Mustangs scored on the second play of the game when Tay’Shaun Roper rambled 81 yards for a quick score that would literally set the tone for the game.

Tay'Shaun Roper (6) breaks out for a touchdown run in the first quarter of the middle school championship game. David Pennock

The next time it gained possession, the Mustangs’ Jayden Yates found Jah’Nevaeh Gidney on a scoring pass. Still moving to what would be a commanding 36-0 halftime lead, Yates went 36 yards to improve Wildwood’s already formidable lead.

Nycere Jacobs added a 38-yard TD run and Roper got into the end zone from three yards out to complete the first-half scoring.

Yates had a 95-yard interception-return score in the second half and Jacobs scored on a 10-yard pass from Yates. Wildwood’s final points were provided by Tony Allen on an 83-yard run.

The Mustang defense allowed only nine points a game in its six-game undefeated salute.

Coach Viands lauded his defense.

Wildwood's Tyion Jacobs (8) is brought down after a short gain. David Pennock

“The defense set the tone all season and was led by Noah Bagent on the defensive line and Nycere Jacobs at linebacker,” Viands said. “Offensively, Roper had 27 carries for 526 yard (19.5 per carry) and 12 touchdowns. Yates rushed 17 times for 423 yards yards (24.9 average) and six touchdowns. He also completed 17 of 26 passes for 531 yards and 11 touchdowns.”

Commenting on the season as a whole, Viands said, “The championship was a culmination of a lot of hard work. The team started on July 29 with a two-week conditioning phase, followed by three weeks of voluntary off-season practice sessions. The team used flex days in early August to continue to prep for the August 17 start date. From there, they practiced five days a week all season.”

Viands lauded his team for their success.

“It is an extremely talented group that worked very hard to achieve their goals. It’s going to be fun watching this group as they move on to the next level,” Viands said. “Hopefully, they all stay together and continue their success.”

Jayden Yates (7) keeps his eyes downfield while rolling out for a pass. Yates led the Mustangs over the Panthers 56-28. David Pennock